Redmond political donations reform? – let’s do it before the next election

20/11/2012 11:00 am

Greens Parliamentary Leader Mark Parnell has called on both Labor and Liberal to commit to comprehensive political donations reform BEFORE the next state election.

“With Isobel Redmond agreeing with the Greens, and Labor rank and file members, that reform must take place, now is the time for action,“ said Mr Parnell.

“It’s not good enough to say the Liberal party will develop a policy for the March 2014 election – we have a wonderful window of opportunity for reform now,” he said.

Isobel Redmond is quoted in today’s Australian committing to a donations reform policy based on the laws in place in NSW and Canada. At the recent ALP state conference a motion in favour of reform introduced by SDA Union head Peter Malinauskas was strongly endorsed.

Next week in State Parliament, a Greens political donations reform motion will come to vote. The motion calls on the state government to introduce legislation for electoral funding reform during this term of parliament so that new rules can be in place for the 2014 state election.

“Next week, Isobel Redmond and the SA Liberals will have to decide whether they want to use this issue as a political wedge, or are genuine about supporting reform,” Mr Parnell said.

“Equally, with Labor’s rank and file members strongly supporting reform at their recent state conference, the Weatherill Government now has a golden opportunity to show genuine leadership and vision on this issue.

“South Australia has the worst political donations laws in the country. All parties acknowledge we have to do better.

“I strongly urge Labor and Liberal to commit to action now so we can have a fairer and more transparent system in place before the next state election,” he said.